Showing papers on "Culture change published in 1983"

Material, Myth, and Magic: A Cultural Approach to Family Therapy

Abstract: This paper presents a model for a therapeutic approach to the cultural systems of families. Using anthropologically derived concepts of material and ideational planes of culture, magic, and ritualistic intervention, the inducement of culture change in frozen familial systems is framed in dialectical terms. Four brief case studies are presented describing the systems engaged, the material-ideational rituals employed, and the cultural transformations induced. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of some of the theoretical and practical implications of this cultural approach to the family in therapy.

The differential acceptance of culture change: An archaeological test case

Abstract: Not all people embrace change at the same rate. As a consequence, within any group at one time, there will be people whose lifestyles range from traditional to nontraditional. The interpretation of a historic Navajo site represents an attempt to discern this range in the archaeological record. By recognizing that not all people change at the same rate and by determining the amount of departure from traditional culture that is represented at a site, archaeologists will not only be better able to interpret intragroup variability but will be able to more realistically study and understand the process of culture change.

Proto‐Athapaskan culture: the use of ethnographic reconstruction

Abstract: The segmentation of Athapaskan-speaking groups over the past two millennia presents an unusual opportunity to observe culture change from a common base in diachronic perspective. To utilize such a “radiation” model, however, something of the Proto-Athapaskan culture base must be reconstructed. Comparison of ethnographic data provides insights into Proto-Athapaskan concepts of extrasomatic power, femaleness, death, and other cultural features. These can give form to the reconstructed aspects of Proto-Athapaskan culture developed through archaeology, linguistics, and other approaches. [Athapaskan, culture change, ethnographic reconstruction, eschatology, women, ideology]

Organizational Culture: Analysis and Change

Abstract: : This paper examines the concept of organizational culture, and presents a methodology for studying culture in organizations. The process of managing culture change is discussed, and some suggestions made for those who wish to change the culture of an organization.

Lewensgehalte — 'n moontlike volkekundige benadering

Abstract: Quality of life — a possible anthropological approach. Evaluation of quality of life in terms of the satisfaction derived from culture as man's device for the fulfilment of his needs and expectations is a valid field of study for anthropology. This perspective implies a comprehensive approach in which all aspects of culture are relevant as constituents of quality of life. Its significance for anthropology lies in its focus on the universal disparity between cultural purpose and achievement, leading either to unresolved dissatisfaction or to culture change or to the application of a bridging mechanism. The fact that evaluation of quality of life implies a value judgement raises the problem of cultural relativity, which becomes immediately relevant when findings on quality of life serve as guidelines for change. A possible solution may be found in universal values, about which common agreement has, however, not yet been reached. There is need for greater clarity about the concept life, especially i...